Nagaland GBs Federation’s humble appeal to Lotha Hoho to withdraw the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the State Government on oil extraction and the request to settle amicably under Naga Customary Law for the interest of all Nagas was a “Goodwill Mission” and no other motive behind or intended. But the NGBF was not aware that a humble appeal could bring such a situation that the Lotha hoho had to define the meaning of Guanbura and their role to an institution which was recognized by the British regime way back in 1882.
Therefore to understand WHAT and WHO are the GBs of Nagaland, we must go back to the beginning of our Naga Civilization i.e., way back to the 11th Century. Nagaland, the land of many tribes with their own unique and distinct Customs & Tradition, practices, usages etc... makes it a unique State/Country. As Lotha Hoho in its previous article pointed out that it was not the ‘assigned responsibility’ of the GBs on the matters related to the settlement of issues but directed to coordinate in the management of Khel(Colony) within the villages which they supposed to be the only responsibility of the GBs.
There was no paramount power and each village was the state by itself. Each village has its own land and forest, every village had its own government, some were democratic set up and some had hereditary set up. This system of governance was run by the Village Chiefs known as Angh in Konyak, Kukami in Sumi, Ekhung in Lotha, Pehumia in Angami, Putumenden in Ao, Kilongtsur in Yimchunger, Mewoh/Runakreta in Chakhasang, Abotonger in Sangtam, Monyu in Phom, Sangponyu in Chang, Chingkhu/Pai in Zeliang etc... However the system of governance was always for the welfare and protection of its citizen based on their respective custom and tradition. There was also division of work among themselves in administration, rituals etc.
Every individual in the village had his rightful place in the society. Each family had its land, and each village was more or less economically self sufficient.
The village chieftain and elders does not exercise any kind of autocratic power. All the important matters are discussed in open court where views are exchanged, evidence are examined and only after thorough deliberation a final decision is taken (A kind of direct democracy).
Nagas met British during 1832, when British expedition crossed the Angami country. During the British rule i.e. 115 yrs in Naga Hills, the British Sarkari had introduced two institutions in the beginning of the year 1882 i.e..
(i) Do-Bhasi (DB)
(ii) Gaon Bura (GB)
*The nomenclature of Village Chiefs to Gaon Bura(GB) was just changed for the administrative purposes of the British India Sarkari as Nagas consisted of many tribes and to acknowledge the chieftains of the Naga Villages as discussed above*
The British Sarkari also introduce of the house tax system in some part Naga Society and had appointed Village Chiefs/Elders as GBs according to the local practice and the Custom of various communities to serve their interest and to assist their Colonial administration in carrying out their respective Village administration and thus, the Powers of Chieftains were subjugated by the British Empire. They are continuing to be the most useful institute on both Civil & Justice administration in Naga Society. It was a form of acceptance of the administration and the authority of the government and less important fiscal point of view. The house tax was usually collected by GBs and they use to get two Anna per rupee collected (2% per rupee). The system of house tax continued up to 1955.
Gaon Bura (GB) is the institute which the British introduced in Naga Hill at the early stage of their administration. They are not government paid servant but are appointed by the government and work as village chief. In fact they are the liaison officer between the government and the grass-root people/villagers, the government get most of its work done in respect of the villagers through this institution. They work, on the government authority in the village as village chiefs. Insignia of GB’s authority and service in our society, GBs are presented with One Red Blanket annually by the Government.
Since the time immemorial, G.B/Chieftain of Village is the custodian of Naga customary Laws and practices, traditions, culture and usages. Generally, 80-85% of Nagas lives in the RURAL (Villages) areas and it is the responsible of GB/Chieftain for protection and safeguards its citizen. The role and responsibility of Naga GB/Chieftain was first acknowledged by British Government and now strengthen and enhanced by the Government of India and the state Government by entitlement as “ RURAL POLICE” as per the “Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland”. Act. 1937.
Some of the Role and Responsibilities of GBs are as follows:
1. Guardian of customary laws and practices, traditions, culture and usages.
2. Maintenance of law and order in the villages.
3. Try cases as per customary laws and practices within their respective jurisdiction.
4. Act as the Rural Police as per the, “Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland. Act. 1937
5. Maintain peace and tranquillity within the village and with neighbouring villages/Colonies.
6. Liaison officer between Government and the Grass root people. Today Nagas stands unique because of their rich culture, Traditions and costume, the legacies carried on by our for-fathers since time immemorial. Therefore Let us preserved our identity and let us not belittle our self, for whatever may be the reason.
Nevertheless, the meeting with the Lotha hoho was not intended to harm anyone’s sentiment, but to share the grievances and to appeal if possible to solve the problems within, as a family. The NGBF may be childish and unwise for appealing Lotha Hoho to withdraw the PIL, but as an elderly organization we have done our responsibility.
Media Cell NGBF
